5 Juicy Pear Recipes

Perfect Pears

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Achieve pear-fection by ripening this fabulous fruit at room temperature until the neck (or stem end) gives way to a little pressure. Pears are harvested while still hard (they get mealy if left to ripen on the tree) but become soft, sweet, fragrant, and creamy in texture after a few days. They spoil quickly, so move them to the fridge once they're ripe. A quick dip in water mixed with lemon juice will help prevent cut fruit from browning. If you're cooking with pears, use fruit that's on the firm side, since it holds up better to heat.